act out

verb

acted out; acting out; acts out

transitive verb

1
a
: to represent in action
children act out what they read
b
: to translate into action
unwilling to act out their beliefs
2
: to express (something, such as an impulse or a fantasy) directly in overt behavior without modification to comply with social norms

intransitive verb

: to behave badly or in a socially unacceptable often self-defeating manner especially as a means of venting painful emotions (such as fear or frustration)

Examples of act out in a Sentence

because his parents spent so much time with his chronically ill sister, the boy resorted to acting out in order to get attention
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Puppies often chew shoes to soothe their gums when teething, while dogs lacking physical or mental stimulation may act out to get a reaction. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025 Fear around the upcoming adjustment, anticipatory anxiety, and positive emotions such as excitement can also trigger them to act out. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 24 June 2025 These questions are unpleasant to contemplate, but they must be asked: Did Trump act out of envy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military prowess? Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025 Prosecutors countered that Dominguez acted out of anger, fueled by a breakup and uncertainty over his future at UC Davis. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for act out

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of act out was circa 1616

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Act out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/act%20out. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

act out

verb
1
: to represent in action
children act out what they read
2
: to behave badly especially as a way of letting out painful emotions

Medical Definition

act out

transitive verb
: to express (as an impulse or a fantasy) directly in overt behavior without modification to comply with social norms
act out an adolescent fantasy

intransitive verb

: to behave badly or in a socially unacceptable often self-defeating manner especially as a means of venting painful emotions (as fear or frustration)

More from Merriam-Webster on act out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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